Harrods Offers Compensation to Survivors of Mohamed Al Fayed
Former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed, who passed away last year, has been accused by multiple women who worked for him of rape and sexual assault. In response, Harrods has announced a compensation scheme that could provide victims with up to £385,000 in compensation, as well as cover treatment costs, if they agree to be assessed by a consultant psychiatrist.
The scheme, published on Monday, offers different compensation amounts, including General Damages of up to £200,000 and a Work Impact Payment sum of up to £150,000. Compensation for medical examinations during employment, which could be up to £10,000, will also be included. Past treatment costs will also be covered under the scheme.
Survivors who choose not to undergo a medical assessment will receive lower payments. Eligible applicants do not need to have been employees of Harrods, but their claims must have a “sufficiently close connection” to the abuse. The scheme, which will require “documentary evidence” only, aims to provide survivors with a sense of closure and apology for the abuse they endured.
Lawyers representing the victims have criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the compensation scheme. Despite the criticism, Harrods’ new owners have been investigating since 2023 whether any current staff members were involved in enabling Fayed’s behavior. The investigation is ongoing, and Harrods has refrained from commenting on the matter while it is being conducted
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